How long does labor take?
Prenatally, my answer is it takes as long as it takes. The average labor for a first-time mom is 18-24 hours. I have been to first-time birthers 3-hour labors, and I have been to 3-day labors. What’s more important than looking at the objectivity of time is focusing on staying nourished. Continuing to nourish, hydrate and rest will keep you going, whether it’s long or short.
I am sitting on the floor cross-legged, beads of sweat gently drip down her face, she’s on her hands and knees. I bring the straw to her lips, she drinks, and I gently dab her forehead with a cool, cloth. Her eyes lock mine, coming out of the daze of laborland, “How much longer.” They are feeling defeat, looking for the light, a way out. I lean in, “you’re doing beautifully” they close their eyes hard, deep sigh and the next surge comes. I wish I knew. I could give an objective answer, 3 hours, 1 hour, 10 minutes, but we don’t know, and that is part of our journey as growing and birthing, surrendering into the unknown.
Keep breathing, moving, eating, resting, peeing, drinking, crying, feeling, pooping, surrendering, gently close your eyes and open yourself up to the dark intensity of the unknown, and eventually, the light will come, and you will meet your baby.
